Ten minimum precautions to ensure children's mental health

Ensuring children's mental health is one of the greatest responsibilities of parents, educators, and society as a whole. Childhood is a crucial period for emotional, social, and cognitive development, and taking the right precautions can make all the difference in forming resilient and well-balanced adults. Science has demonstrated that early interventions and mindful care in childhood contribute to greater psychological well-being throughout life. Universities such as Harvard, Stanford, and Oxford have carried out extensive research showing that positive childhood experiences directly impact academic success, mental health, and social relationships. In this article, we will explore ten essential precautions to ensure children's mental health, supported by science and methodologies such as MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater), ThM (Theater Movement), and TBMB (Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater), developed by Antônio Carlos dos Santos.

A fundamental aspect of mental health in children is emotional security. Neuroscience studies show that a child who feels safe in their environment tends to develop more confidence and better emotional regulation. To achieve this, it is crucial to create a predictable routine, establish clear limits, and provide affection in everyday interactions. Secure attachment, as highlighted by psychologist John Bowlby, helps build stable self-esteem and healthy interpersonal relationships. Simple daily actions such as hugging, listening attentively, and validating emotions help solidify this foundation.

Encouraging communication is another essential factor. A child who is heard and encouraged to express themselves has a greater chance of developing strong social skills and emotional resilience. According to Vygotsky's socio-cultural theory, language is essential for cognitive and emotional development. Creating an open and welcoming space for children to share their thoughts and concerns without fear of judgment strengthens their emotional intelligence. Activities such as storytelling, theater, and puppetry, such as the TBMB method, help develop verbal and non-verbal communication skills, promoting expressiveness and confidence.

Another crucial element is play. Play is not just a form of entertainment but an essential tool for children's mental health. Studies from the University of Cambridge highlight that free play stimulates creativity, problem-solving skills, and emotional regulation. The ThM (Theater Movement) methodology, which incorporates expressive movement, shows that theatrical play significantly contributes to stress reduction and self-confidence building. Through role-playing games, children can explore emotions, test solutions to problems, and develop resilience in a safe and controlled environment.

Setting a good example is one of the most powerful strategies. Children learn more from what they see than from what they hear. Parents and educators who model emotional regulation, respect, and kindness naturally transmit these values to children. According to Albert Bandura's social learning theory, behaviors observed in significant adults tend to be internalized and reproduced. This means that a child who grows up in an environment where people resolve conflicts constructively and demonstrate empathy is more likely to replicate these behaviors in their interactions.

Teaching emotional regulation techniques is a vital precaution. Mindfulness practices, for example, have been extensively studied by universities such as MIT and UCLA, showing significant benefits in reducing stress and increasing concentration in children. Simple breathing exercises, guided relaxation, and meditation adapted to childhood, as proposed by the MAT method, can be incorporated into the daily routine to help children deal with emotions more healthily.

Balancing digital exposure is another essential point. Excessive screen time is associated with increased anxiety, sleep disorders, and difficulty concentrating, according to research from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Establishing limits on the use of electronic devices and encouraging outdoor activities, social interactions, and creative games helps maintain emotional and cognitive balance. In this sense, activities such as puppet theater, proposed by TBMB, can be an excellent alternative to promote interaction and creativity.

Developing resilience is crucial. Resilience is the ability to overcome adversity and learn from challenges. Stanford studies indicate that resilient children tend to have greater self-esteem and mental flexibility. Encouraging problem-solving, showing that mistakes are learning opportunities, and avoiding overprotecting children helps build this skill. Theater, as proposed by the ThM methodology, is an effective strategy for working on resilience, as it allows children to experience challenges in a fictional setting and develop creative ways to deal with difficulties.

Another essential aspect is the encouragement of autonomy. Children need to feel capable and responsible for small everyday tasks. Studies from the University of Montreal show that autonomy promotes self-confidence and emotional maturity. Assigning simple responsibilities appropriate to the child's age, such as organizing toys or choosing clothes, fosters independence and self-esteem. The MAT methodology reinforces the importance of action in the learning process, making children protagonists of their development.

Quality sleep is a non-negotiable element for mental health. Sleep deprivation negatively affects children's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral performance. Research from Harvard Medical School confirms that children who sleep well have better emotional regulation, greater learning capacity, and fewer behavioral problems. Establishing a consistent sleep routine, reducing exposure to screens before bedtime, and creating a calm environment for rest are fundamental steps.

Finally, cultivating an environment of love and acceptance is the foundation of mental health. Children who grow up in an environment where they feel accepted for who they are, without excessive demands or unattainable expectations, develop higher self-esteem and psychological security. Unconditional love, combined with constructive discipline, helps create emotionally stable individuals. Neuroscience studies indicate that children who receive love and positive reinforcement develop a more balanced and resilient brain.

Taking care of children's mental health is an ongoing journey that requires dedication, information, and conscious action. Through simple and effective precautions, based on scientific studies and methodologies such as MAT, ThM, and TBMB, we can provide an environment conducive to the development of healthy, happy, and resilient children. Investing in these practices means ensuring a better future for new generations and for society as a whole.

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